Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli with Zesty Lemon Twist (Print Version)
Get perfectly crispy air fryer broccoli every time! This simple recipe turns humble broccoli into a crave-worthy side with a zesty lemon kick.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
2 medium heads fresh broccoli, cut into florets
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Flavor Boosters
03 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
05 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
→ Finishing Touches
06 -
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
07 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
08 -
1 lemon wedge, for serving
→ Optional Extras
09 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes
10 -
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, wash your broccoli crowns thoroughly. Then, chop them into bite-sized florets. Try to keep them roughly the same size, about 1 to 1.5 inches. This is where I sometimes get a little lazy and end up with some tiny bits that burn and some big chunks that don't crisp up. Learn from my mistakes, uniformity is key for crispy air fryer broccoli! Make sure they're super dry too; moisture is the enemy of crispiness, hon.
02 -
Grab a big mixing bowl – bigger than you think you need, trust me. Add your dry broccoli florets. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands and toss, toss, toss! You want every single floret coated evenly. This is where the magic starts to happen; I can practically smell the deliciousness already.
03 -
Go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is often overlooked, but it really helps kickstart the crisping process. Think of it like preheating your oven; you wouldn't put a cake in a cold oven, right? Same principle for perfectly crispy air fryer broccoli!
04 -
Now, here's a critical step: don't overcrowd the basket! If you pile it high, the broccoli will steam instead of crisp. Cook in a single layer, or at most, a slight double layer. I usually do two batches for two heads of broccoli. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 minutes. You're looking for tender-crisp florets with those lovely charred edges.
05 -
Around the 10-minute mark, pull out a floret and taste it. Is it tender inside? Is it crispy and slightly charred on the outside? If it's not quite there, give it a few more minutes, shaking again. Every air fryer is a little different, so don't be afraid to adjust the timing. I've definitely pulled out a batch too early, only to put it back in for another round!
06 -
Once your crispy air fryer broccoli is perfectly cooked, transfer it immediately to a serving dish. While it's still hot, squeeze a fresh lemon wedge all over it. That bright citrusy zing truly elevates the flavor and makes it feel gourmet. This is the part where it goes from "good" to "oh my gosh, what is this?!" Enjoy it right away for maximum crispiness!
# Notes:
01 -
Always make sure your broccoli is bone-dry before adding oil and seasoning; moisture is the enemy of crispy air fryer broccoli.
02 -
Never overcrowd the air fryer basket; steam means soggy, not crispy! Cook in batches if you need to.
03 -
Don't skip the lemon at the end; it balances the richness and really brightens the flavors.
04 -
For an extra layer of flavor, toss the florets with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast before air frying; it adds a cheesy, umami kick.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
knife
04 -
cutting board
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 80 kcal
Total Fat: 5g
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Protein: 3g